Home OSH Answers Safety Hazards Ladders Securing Portable

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Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load. Attach a ladder stay across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame. Guard or fence off the area around a ladder erected in an area where persons have access. Secure the ladder firmly at the top to prevent it from slipping sideways or the foot from slipping outwards. Station a person at the foot of a ladder when it is not possible to tie at the top or secure it at the foot. This is effective only for ladders up to 5 m (16 ft.) long.

Ensure that the person at the foot of the ladder faces the ladder with a hand on each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung. Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where ladder is to be used at a constant height.

Do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose. Secure the base of a ladder to prevent accidental movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top. Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise nail a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side rails.

Document confirmed current on May 25, 2005
Document last updated on January 22, 1998

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